StyleWatch May 2007

In our May StyleWatch magazine, one of the products we love is Sula’s Layering Sets of mix ‘n’ match fragrances, $30 for a set of two at ulta.com. These affordable perfumes come in scents like vanilla blossom and champagne sugar and can be combined to create a signature scent. I’m obsessed with having options, and now I can create a unique (and yummy) scent for every date, meeting, and errand. For an even lighter approach, try splashes like Marc Jacobs in Rain, Cucumber and Orange, $65, at sephora.com or Bath & Body Works Splashes, $11, at bathandbodyworks.com. Tell us: Do you ever layer your fragrances? — Amy Elisa Keith

Click here to check out all the great fashion and beauty ideas from the May StyleWatch issue.

Photo: alex cao

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You might have caught PEOPLE senior editor Galina Espinoza on the Today Show this morning showing off the easiest ways to make your wardrobe lighter for the warmer months to come. From light bags, airy denim dresses, barely there knits and cork shoes these summer essentials won’t weigh you down. Try a denim dress like Rihanna’s 7 for All Mankind “Tina” dress, $180, at 7forallmankind.com. Sling a bag that weighs less than a Starbucks grande latte on your shoulder, like this “Catalina” PVC hobo bag, $30, at alloy.com. Keep your feet light with a pair of cork shoes like the “Union Square Brooke,” patent leather and cork wedges, $295, at rafe.com. For more must-have light styles, including knits, pick up the May issue of PEOPLE’s StyleWatch on newsstands now, and click here to watch the “Lighten Up” segment.

For more stories from our May StyleWatch issue, click here.

Click here to see our Ultimate Guide to Summer Style. Everything you need to beat the heat — from the hottest shoes to the coolest shades and the sexiest bikinis!

Photo: splash news online

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As our office fills up with racks of itsy-bitsy bikinis and photos of celebrities, like Lindsay Lohan, looking amazing on beach vacations flood our pages, my stress level keeps rising! Sure, if I looked like Lindsay in a bikini (all nine of them) I’d be more than happy to hit the stores. But in my current state of, uh, not quite summer-ready, the thought of trying on string bikinis in fluorescent lighting with unflattering mirrors makes me want to run and hide. For now, I am investigating more cute coverups like Cameron’s, until the gym becomes more of a daily reality. — Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

Tell us: Are you stressed about bathing suit shopping, too? Or are you ready to rock a bikini and hit the beach?

Click here to see our Ultimate Guide to Summer Style. Everything you need to beat the heat — from the hottest shoes to the coolest shades and the sexiest bikinis!

Photo: Will Binns/Pacific coast news

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Swimsuit shopping doesn’t have to damage your bank account. As you can see in our May StyleWatch issue, the cutest beach trends are all available for under $50! From polka-dots to florals to sexy one-pieces, the best swim looks are just one easy click away. For these prices you can have an endless beach wardrobe just like Lindsay or Courtney! Check out some of our favorite suits, like this H&M flame-stitch two-piece (top and bottom $13 each) available at H&M stores:

One-ring One-piece with low V-neck, O-ring accent and daring open back style, $25, oldnavy.com

Ocean Dream turquoise and brown floral halterkini, $16, and belted hipster bottoms, $16, kohls.com

Triangle string bikini in polka dots, stripes or blue floral, $34, victoriassecret.com

Joe Boxer surfer girl hot pink flower, star and heart halter bikini, $13, and hip loop string bikini bottom, $13, kmart.com

Xhilaration black and white nautical stripe halter top, $15, and sporty tie bottoms, $15, target.com

Click here to see our Ultimate Guide to Summer Style. Everything you need to beat the heat — from the hottest shoes to the coolest shades and the sexiest bikinis!

Photo: john lawton

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Despite the love/hate relationship we have with our hair, there’s always that one product that never fails to do the trick. In the May issue of StyleWatch, we got the scoop from several celebs on what styling product they rely on to keep their coifs picture perfect. Before getting a blow out, Reese Witherspoon protects her hair with Vavoom Gold Heat Blow-In Control, $14, which seals the hair and protects it from intense heat. Jessica Biel maintains her healthy hair — and fights frizz and flyaways — with Kerastase Serum Oléo-Relax, $34. Newly shorn Michelle Williams keeps her pixie cut in place with Murray’s Original Pomade, $3. Jennifer Lopez nourishes her long locks with Leonor Greyl Palm Oil, $39, which is especially great if you spend a lot of time in the sun. So now that you know these celebs secret hair weapons, we want to know what always works for you. Tell us: What styling product can’t you live without? Why?

Photo: ramey; courtesy matrix.com

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We loved Katharine and Charlize’s red carpet looks so much, we tracked down their makeup artists to tell us exactly how to they were done! Katharine McPhee wore a slick of nude-colored gloss, ” target=”_blank”>Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pure Lipstick in Glazed Sienna #61, $28, at a Gillette event recently. The neutral lipcolor allowed her makeup artist, Efrat Acharkan, to create a more dramatic look for McPhee’s eyes.

At the East of Havana premiere, Charlize Theron demonstrated that the secret to scene-stealing lips — done with Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in Pink Legend #882, $26 — is to keep the rest of the makeup minimal. Her makeup artist, Dior’s International Makeup Advisor Shane Paish, explains, “First, I created gorgeous, flawless skin, added a touch of blush and DiorShow Blackout Mascara and then finished the look with the deep berry lip — one coat, no fuss.”

Got a red carpet beauty look you’re dying to know about? Tell us and we’ll try to track it down for you!

Photo: Scott Wintrow/Getty; alex cao; James Devaney/WireImage; alex cao

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With summer rapidly approaching, vacation is definitely on the brain! We have a few new favorites, that are a lot less pricey than Cameron Diaz’s luxe Louis Vuitton case, that we can’t wait to bust out for our next trip.

Have a lot to pack? Nicole Kidman and husband Keith Urban have been spotted using Bric’s rolling duffel bag in olive, but we think it’s awfully sweet in pink too.

Want something a little girlier? Try Hideo Wakamatsu has a blossom printed trolley with a hard shell and magnetic locks, or try accessorizing your luggage with Tepper Jackson’s bright luggage tags .

Make sure to meet your 3 oz. carry on requirements with this Bliss Sinkside Six-Pack , Lippman’s Nail Essential Kit or Go Smile’s On The Go flavored teeth whitening touch ups to save space.

Need to get comfy on board? Grab Bucky’s neck pillow and Cris Notti’s stylish sleep mask will keep you stylish while you sleep. When you land, just freshen up with Too Faced Glamour To Go make-up set and you’re good to go!

Click here to see our Ultimate Guide to Summer Style. Everything you need to beat the heat — from the hottest shoes to the coolest shades and the sexiest bikinis!

Photo: Courtesy of Jun Sato/WireImage; courtesy ebags.com

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